Driver banned until 2018 caught behind wheel

A Dapto man, banned from driving for a decade, spent Christmas Eve in custody after police allegedly caught him behind the wheel, Wollongong Local Court has heard.

Troy Brendon Cooper is accused of giving police a fake name and address when they stopped him for a random breath test on Monday morning, until checks forced him to reveal he was disqualified from driving until 2018.

Police claim the 42-year-old was heading west along Towradgi Road about 10.30am when he was pulled over for a breath test.

He tested negative, but police then requested he produce his licence, the court was told.

Cooper allegedly indicated he had left his licence at home, but provided officers with a dodgy name, address and date of birth.

Officers then conducted RMS and police checks and discovered a photo of the "fake" man, which did not match the driver of the vehicle.

Police then again spoke to Cooper, who allegedly indicated he was banned from driving and was wanted by police on an outstanding arrest warrant.

Checks revealed Cooper had been disqualified from driving in 2008 and faced a 10-year ban.

He was charged with driving while disqualified and giving a false name.

Making a bid for bail on Cooper's behalf yesterday, solicitor John Gallagher told the court his client had a stable address, could provide a surety and would report to police.

Registrar Tina McKenna granted Cooper strict conditional bail, ordering him to report to police daily and stay out of the driver's seat of the car.